HC Deb 30 June 1965 vol 715 cc620-1

Mr. J. Amery (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the bombing of territory within the South Arabian Federation by foreign aircraft.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)

I am informed that a village and a guard post in the State of Beihan in South Arabia were attacked with rockets and machine guns yesterday morning by two MiG fighters which subsequently flew off into the Yemen. I regret to say that, on the information at present available, it appears that one woman was killed and four other persons, including two members of the local Federal Guard, were wounded during these attacks.

Her Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo has been instructed to make a strong protest to the Government of the United Arab Republic about these attacks and to call for payment of compensation to those affected. The Government of the United Arab Republic are also being warned that in the event of a recurrence of such incidents we would reserve the right to take such measures as we considered to be appropriate.

We are asking the United States Government to convey on our behalf a similar protest and warning to the Republican authorities in the Yemen and are also reporting the circumstances to the President of the Security Council.

Mr. Amery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side would like to associate ourselves with the representations which he has made in Cairo and, through the Americans, in the Yemen? Is he aware that this is not by any means the first time that incursion and aggression of this kind has taken place? Do I understand the Secretary of State to have made it plain that if adequate compensation and apology are not forthcoming he will take effective action to make it plain to the United Arab Republic that aggression of this kind does not pay?

Mr. Greenwood

We had better wait and see what reply we get to the protest which we have delivered and then decide what action would be appropriate in the light of the circumstances.

Sir G. Nicholson

Will the right hon. Gentleman also make it plain that while there is, I am sure, a genuine desire on the part of the Egyptians and the United Arab Republic to improve relations with this country, actions like this and certain broadcasts are so inconsistent with that desire as to make the task of all those who wish to improve relations between the countries much more difficult?

Mr. Greenwood

Yes. I know that the hon. Member will be happy to know that the Prime Minister made this perfectly clear to the Parliamentary delegation from the United Arab Republic when he met them earlier this week.